The Life & Legacy of India's Freedom Fighter
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, more commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was one of the most influential leaders and activists in history. As the father of Indian independence, Gandhi pioneered the philosophy of non-violent civil disobedience that inspired civil rights movements worldwide. His dedication to peaceful change made him an iconic crusader for justice. This is the story of his remarkable life.
Early Life in India
Mohandas Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar located in present-day Gujarat, India. He was raised in a pious Hindu family of the merchant caste. In an arranged marriage at age 13, he was wed to Kasturba Makhanji, with whom he had four sons.
As a child, Gandhi was an average student who was bullied and shy. In 1888 at age 18, he left home to study law in London and become a barrister. While in England, he became immersed in the Western lifestyle and strove to be an English gentleman. After being called to the bar in 1891, Gandhi returned to India but struggled to establish a law practice.
Time in South Africa
In 1893, the 23-year-old Gandhi accepted a year-long contract to do legal work in South Africa. He remained based there for over 20 years. During this formative period, Gandhi faced intense racism and discrimination directed at Indian immigrants.
One pivotal incident was being thrown off a train in first class for refusing to move to third class. Such experiences shaped his social activism and spurred him to challenge injustice. In 1894, Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress to fight discrimination. His protests against unfair practices like registration cards gained attention and followers.
Gandhi developed his theory of satyagraha or non-violent civil disobedience during his South African years. Influenced by Hindu and Christian pacifists like Leo Tolstoy, Gandhi's belief in effecting change through peaceful methods took root. His leadership of striking Indian miners in 1913 cemented his status as a civil rights champion. Racial tensions escalated but Gandhi’s international prominence grew.
By 1914, the British government in South Africa made several concessions to Gandhi’s demands including the recognition of Hindu marriages. Hailed for advancing Indian rights, Gandhi returned to India in 1915 at age 45. The respected lawyer-turned-activist had grown into Mahatma ("great soul"), developing a deeper spirituality and vision for ending injustice.
Leading India’s Independence Movement
Gandhi joined the Indian National Congress Party (INC) advocating Indian autonomy from British rule. When World War I broke out, Gandhi supported the British war effort recruiting soldiers. He believed Indians' loyalty would be rewarded with swaraj or self-government afterwards.
However, Britain's oppressive policies continued post-war despite Indian sacrifices in fighting for the Crown. In 1919, the newly empowered Gandhi called for satyagraha campaigns of non-violent non-cooperation to protest British rule. Gandhi became a galvanizing force against India's subjugation. Millions of Indians boycotted British goods, burned registration cards and marched peacefully.
In 1922 Gandhi was sentenced to 2 years in prison for sedition. He went on a spiritual fasts and urged his followers to never hate. Released after contracting dysentery, Gandhi worked to abolish India's deep-rooted caste system dividing Hindus. He championed the rights of women, workers and India's poorest villagers, broadening his support. Through the 1920s-40s, Gandhi led major satyagraha campaigns including the Salt March in 1930 protesting salt taxes. His steadfast leadership transformed the independence struggle into a formidable, non-violent force.
Independence & Death
As India headed towards freedom from colonial rule, the country was partitioned along religious lines into Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan in 1947. Gandhi passionately opposed religious sectarianism but reluctantly accepted partition. Tragically, independence sparked conflict and interfaith violence. Gandhi went on a hunger strike until the sectarian riots ended, praying for peace.
Just months later on 30 January 1948, the 78-year-old Gandhi was assassinated in Delhi by a Hindu extremist mad over partition. The world mourned Gandhi’s death from an act of hatred he detested. India had lost her beloved Bapuji or “father” as many affectionately knew Gandhi. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in remembrance.
Global Legacy & Standing
Mahatma Gandhi's cumulative acts of non-violent civil disobedience created political and social change on a global scale. He embodied integrity, patience, sacrifice and faith in pursuing justice for all people. Gandhi proved the transformative power of Satyagraha and non-violence to the world. Rather than seeking retribution against oppressors, he called for their moral awakening through open-hearted love.
His philosophy endures in peaceful struggles everywhere pursuing freedom and progress through non-violence. Gandhi's dedication to dignity and liberty transcended nationalism, uniting humanity through ethical and spiritual ideals. He remains one of the most revered leaders who illuminated the path from darkness to light.
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